AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain James A. Davis for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Fighter/Attack Squadron 323, Marine Aircraft Group Thirteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 27 December 1968, Captain Davis launched as Wingman in a flight of two Phantom aircraft assigned to provide close air support for a Marine reconnaissance team that was heavily engaged with a large North Vietnamese Army force in the Demilitarized Zone. Skillfully directing his aircraft through a low cloud cover and rugged mountain terrain to the designated area, he contacted the tactical air controller (airborne) and was informed that the proximity of friendly and enemy positions would require precise ordnance delivery. Despite adverse weather conditions, Captain Davis unhesitatingly commenced a series of determined attacks against the hostile emplacements and came under a heavy volume of enemy fire. Disregarding his own safety, he fearlessly maneuvered his Phantom through the intense hostile fire during repeated bombing runs, delivering his ordnance upon the enemy positions with devastating effectiveness. His bold initiative and resolute determination inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his flight's enabling the friendly unit to withdraw to a relatively safe location and accounting for two extremely large secondary explosions. Captain Davis' courage, exceptional aeronautical ability and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.